Have you ever walked through the perfume aisle and spotted a gorgeous glass bottle glistening with a pink or dusky hue through the translucent glass? Sparkling under the store's too-bright lights, a fragrance too tempting to pass up as well as the reasonable price? A scent that sprays on sweet at first but dies off only a few hours later? In her breakaway song “Cheap Perfume,” singer Efi Gjika knows this all too well, in more ways than one. As does every other girl caught up by the too-good-to-be-true offer. Artist Efi Gjika perfectly embodies this feeling in her new single “Cheap Perfume,” which represents cheap love and empty promises. She describes how the outside image (or scent) can be deceiving, not an accurate representation of what the inward content truly holds. She writes, “Sold me on that pretty bottle / On the outside / Smelled the roses and the flowers / Then I smelled the lies.” Gjika highlights the falsehood and unreliability of the fleeting romance just like the perfume's fleeting scent. As her chorus highlights, “You are like cheap perfume / You fade away by the afternoon / You never stick around when I need you.” Gjika’s lyrics are surrounded by an electronic upbeat tempo, a danceable number to play for any summer party. Her lyrics and sound convey the disappointment of a teenage crush, the rush of its rising, and the disenchantment left after its quick end. Despite the feelings of disappointment and regret, the song's chorus is wrapped up in a lively and soaring beat, as if to say this teenage romance was not too serious. The peppy tune reassures us that the sting of such romances is just as forgetful as the scent of cheap perfume, something not too heavy to meditate on. Gjikas's hopeful voice denotes a sense of confidence and moving forward after unveiling the facade and discovering the relationship's unreliability. She states firmly, “You never stick around when I need you / That's why I said I don't need you.” The charming song is the perfect antidote for anybody brought low by a summer love and needing a carefree tune to shout their feelings out. Singer Efi Gjika is a dazzling young talent at the age of fifteen. Her songs hit on pop and rock beats, bubbly melodies, and catchy lyrics. With the release of “Cheap Perfume,” Gjika is set to release an EP later this year. Gjika says the single is "about finding the strength to walk away from something that no longer serves us and embracing our own worth." Gjika has released music since 2019, garnering inspiration from famous bands and singers like One Direction , Little Mix , and Taylor Swift . Gjika’s recent music is outlined with teenage edge and confidence, as seen in her recent single “Boyz Talk.” Her 2022 single “Mirror” also plays on themes of self-empowerment and courage, a thread seen woven throughout her music. With a positive aura and addictive tunes such as “Cheap Perfume,” we look forward with eager anticipation for what is next! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW EFI GJIKA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Alexa Kate is back with her third single release for her debut EP, “Why Should I Be Sorry?” Why Should I Be Sorry?” is a powerful heartbreak anthem that paints a vivid picture of the emotional turbulence one experiences after a breakup. Alexa starts off the song by diving into her mixed emotions regarding the breakup. She’s resisting the urge to call back, unable to pick their T-shirt off the floor. She said she’s “closed the door/but [she waits] right by it everyday,” and despite knowing it’s not healthy for her, she keeps doing it. In the chorus, Alexa questions herself and her ex, wondering “why should I be sorry?/when you’re the one who messed it up.” Yet, despite all the bad things her ex did to her, she still doesn’t hate him. Looking back on the relationship once more, she doesn’t know if it was love, but she gave all her secrets away that are now gone forever. In the bridge, she asks herself “how could I not want the pain when it comes so easily?” She wonders how her ex has her thinking that she is the one to blame, and says “you should be down on your knees/begging for forgiveness, admitting what you did to me.” Despite the song's sadder themes, “Why Should I Be Sorry?” is certainly a song of the summer contender. With luscious layers of synths and bass and perfectly laid harmonies, this song is addicting. The beat is upbeat and crisp from the get go, setting the stage for the pop anthem that is “Why Should I Be Sorry?” With Alexa’s delicate yet powerful vocals, it reminds me of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams. She throws in quick moments of talking, giving the song even more personality and color. Alexa incorporates elements of sonic contrast that aligns with her contrasting feelings. For example,this song can definitely be described as indie, but there is this mainstream or commercial flair that Alexa adds to balance it out. In addition, she walks the line between catchy melodies and contemplative lyrics, making it easy to digest but also fun to dig into. Singer-songwriter Alexa Kate was born and raised in New York, and is based back there after spending time in Nashville and Los Angeles honing her craft. She first got her start in the music industry in 2016 with her release “Why?”. Since then, she’s had multiple successful single releases such as “Twenty-something”, which currently has 265k streams on Spotify alone. Now, with her releases of “Delusional”, “Crash”, and now “Why Should I Be Sorry?”, she is preparing to release her debut EP. Throughout her eight years as a releasing artist, she has built a passionate fan base on social media, going live on TikTok almost daily for the past few years. Her talent as a singer and songwriter has gained her attention from many, landing her on rising pop playlists such as Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop. It will be so exciting to see where Alexa’s talents will take her in the future! Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ALEXA KATE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Teasing his full-length album, 8 Ball, Sam Louis has released his latest single, "Faded Jeans." The track is an alt pop/emo hip-hop banger, reflecting on a toxic relationship and the addiction it has caused. Shedding light on the meaning behind the song, Louis elaborates, "Comfortable fit, rinse and repeat, slightly faded. How can you move forward when the past is following you everywhere. 'Faded Jeans' is about a toxic relationship that continues to haunt you. A love that hurts too good and feels all too familiar at the same time. Like a nostalgic trance, she can hypnotize and distract, pulling you back to old habits you tried to bury." Creating a unique sound with a tasteful blend of genres, Sam Louis pushes sonic boundaries in "Faded Jeans." The fiery single combines elements of alt pop, emo hip-hop, cloud hop, and hyperpop, featuring darker melodies to pair with the song's moody lyrics. "Faded Jeans" matches the toxicity of the narrative with an aggressive soundscape, showcasing heavy synths, hard-hitting beats, and electrifying guitar riffs. Adding a hint of nostalgia into the mix, Louis' vocal performance is reminiscent of '00s emo and electropop icons, sounding similar to acts like Falling In Reverse and The Ready Set. Based in Toronto, singer-songwriter Sam Louis is making waves in the alt pop world. The artist has been hard at work since his 2015 debut, selling out showcases and landing international sync placements. Louis was a top 100 semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and proud winner of an Indigenous Music Award for Best Pop Album. An artist to keep an eye on, Louis has been featured on countless playlists, including the likes of Spotify's "New Music Friday," YouTube's "Pop Before it Breaks," and Amazon's "Brand New Music." Some of his popular releases include "Driftin'," "See Me Now," and "Burnout." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SAM LOUIS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Emily Mayne delivers a passionate work of art in her latest single, "who are u?". The song is an emotional rollercoaster of sharp, progressive statements. It tackles themes of feminism, substance, abuse, and politics. Emily isn't afraid to paint a dystopian portrait in our minds with her powerful words and blatant sentiment. "who are u?" encourages us to look up from our screens, confront our surroundings, and see what's really happening. How often do we turn a blind eye to the things that make us uncomfortable? This song proves that the things that are the hardest to hear are often the most important. Listen to "who are u?" on Spotify now! Musically, "who are u?" is a brilliant artistic ride. It feels like watching a performance unfold on stage without needing the stage at all. Emily Mayne tells the story through theatrical vocals, clever production, and phenomenal wordplay. The song begins as R&B with luscious Latin guitar riffs and a punchy beat, but morphs midway through into an entirely different beast. It becomes a ballad, using a misty piano and orchestral strings to highlight the importance of the lyrics. Like watching a ballet, a two-act play, or even an abstract painting come to life, "who are u?" is a song you can't step away from. You are left on the edge of your seat, fixated, needing to know what happens next. Emily Mayne is a London, UK-based singer, songwriter, pianist, and pop artist who brings incredible talent to the pop music scene. Her music is described as "chameleonic", taking inspiration from artists like Taylor Swift, RAYE, Adele, Billie Eilish, and SZA, and we can definitely hear the similarities. Emily's accolades include being featured on BBC Radio Devon Introducing and having a full-page feature in Devon Life Magazine in 2019. She has played several live shows across the UK including Sofar Sounds in Leeds. Currently, Emily is planning to release a second EP, scheduled for late 2024, that touches on the experience and reality of growing up as a woman. With this new EP, Emily aims to create awareness and a safe space for those who resonate with it. Overall, I think "who are u?" is an incredible song and just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Emily's work. I can't wait to see what this new EP holds, but until then, be sure to check out "who are u?" on your favorite streaming service! Written By *Shelbi Baker FOLLOW EMILY MAYNE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

This song, “Shelter” by Ben Hazlewood, is a moody alternative pop song all about the regret you feel when you look back and realize that you lost the person you should’ve protected. Hindsight can be clarifying, but it can also be devastating, and Ben Hazlewood punches you right in the gut with that idea by sharing how it feels when it’s too late to go back and change your mind. With lyrics like “no time for sleep, tell me you’re coming too” and “hang tight, vultures are circling,” he creates a sense of urgency and worry, and then chaos as well with lines like “seesaw, up and then down again.” You took this person for granted, you didn’t realize how much you cared for them until they were already gone. Hazelwood puts it simply and poignantly, “I wanted to be your shelter,” but the time to be that person’s shelter has already passed. “Shelter” is a song that uses a mixture of delicate piano and strong instrumentation to create a contradictory and yet compelling feeling of intimacy and ominousness. The song starts slowly, drawing you in with a moody atmosphere, before breaking into a sharply dark melody. The steady and heavy percussion keeps the beat and keeps the tension rising, even as Ben Hazlewood’s vocals are layered in for the first verse. Despite the song being on the longer side, at four minutes, you’re left wanting to listen to it again almost immediately. Overall, sweeping instrumentals, raw lyrics, and evocative harmonies make the listener feel that sense of vulnerability and longing while also that fear and that pain that you’ll never once again have what you’re searching for.  Ben Hazlewood is a brilliant pop artist who’s made a name for himself all throughout his journey from New Zealand, to London, to Australia, where he now calls home. Though he was first the frontman of a rock band back in London, he broke out on his own and has been entrancing listeners with his voice alone. Having been raised on powerful artists like Jim Morrison , Stevie Nicks , David Bowie , and Janis Joplin , he’s embraced that star quality that’s hard to find in this day and age. His debut album, Bloodline,  released in 2020, was the culmination of years of hard work and passion for music, and since then he’s released several new songs, with “Shelter” being the latest. Use the links below to listen to more of his music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Ben Hazlewood: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Have you ever fallen in love with a guy who ended up being a complete mess in all aspects of their life? One of my friends fell for a guy and they ended up moving in together. Once the guards were let down, things got rocky and emotions got confusing. She quickly realized that he was just as messy with her heart as he was in the apartment they shared. Kal’s newest single “Boys R Messy” captures stories like that to a tee. Her vocals and lyrics reminded me a lot of Gracie Abrams. She brings an edgy vibe in this track with drums and guitar that compliment the irritation she feels in the lyrics. I love how Kal used boys being messy in two different ways. She uses the verses to describe them being messy in a literal sense, mentioning dirty dishes, forgotten clothes in the washer, expired juice in the fridge, etc. In the chorus, Kal takes it to a new level explaining how boys are just as messy when they have someones heart. She says “Boys will be boys and that’s the problem.” That line had me screaming at the top of my lungs each listen! The use of boy instead of man expressed how this person hasn’t grown up yet. “One day you’ll grow up and not make a mess of a good thing when it comes your way.” Kal is a singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Her hard work led her to sign with Rose and Thorn Records. “Boys R Messy” is an absolute anthem that everyone needs to hear. There was so much creativity put into this song. She has other releases for you to check out if you loved “Boys R Messy.” Kal released her first single ‘Weak’ in 2021, followed by her last single “Keep You Up’ in 2022. I know she will continue to have exciting projects in store for her listeners. Check out the links below to support her and her future as a musician. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW KAL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Within the burgeoning landscape of emerging artists, the Ninth Empire, an enigmatic solo entity, captures the resonant tones of heartache and the anticipation of healing in their latest track "Summer," featuring upcoming pop sensation Divinova. "Summer" narrates the tale of longing for the metaphorical and literal warmth that the season brings, paralleling the aching desire to emerge from the chill of a complicated romance into the promise of rejuvenation and light. The track deftly stitches the hope that accompanies the dissolution of past entanglements with an outlook for fresh beginnings. With this song, the Ninth Empire weaves a compelling story of personal evolution, drawing a vivid connection between the natural shedding of the old and the embrace of brighter days, both in climate and in spirit. The sonic identity of "Summer" is as much an evolution as its subject matter, a fusion of genres that finds a cohesive home in the Ninth Empire's production. Recorded and finalized in a home studio, the track resonates with the intimate touch of an artist who serves as both creator and curator of their sound. With pop-punk roots and a hip hop flair, the song delivers an upbeat tempo that belies the depth of its lyrics, providing an optimistic backdrop to the pacing of stirring vocals and an indelible hook. It's in the detailed layering of instruments and textures—where punk rock's edgy bass meets the infectious rhythm of pop—that "Summer" finds its unique charm, hitting a special note for listeners navigating their way toward personal catharsis. Lifting off with an impressive early following, the Ninth Empire marks "Summer" as the sixth single in a rapid but significant journey that only began in February of this year. Already amassing over 100k streams and hitting number one on the Hyppedit Punk Top 100 chart, the Ninth Empire stands out not only for their musical offerings but their philosophical musings on the creative process: "Angels take life lightly, and that's why their wings are wider." With a story of origin that humbly began with a karaoke bar encounter and now unfolds across the music world, the Ninth Empire and "Summer" deliver a soundtrack ripe for reinvention and introspection, resonating with anyone eager to turn their back on the cold, and face the sun-filled promise of what's to come. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW THE NINTH EMPIRE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo credits: Kate Hoos “Penguin Wings” by Nihiloceros simply proves how old-school punk music can always live in the hearts of those who have a passion for the genre. “Penguin Wings” is a great way to open their brand-new EP “Dark Ice Balloons” and introduce listeners to the themes of the complexity of life and death that Nihiloceros have chosen to explore. There’s a clear ode to 90s punk music that’s reminiscing of artists like No Use for a Name that reminds fans why they fell in love with the genre in the first place. It’s exciting to see how modern artists are using their talents to keep this style alive at a time when these classic sounds tend to be overlooked. That opening guitar riff screams and serves as an instant attention grabber, playing the role of the opening line of the tale of “Dark Ice Balloons”. The world-building of “Penguin Wings” is uplifted by the punk guitar tones and the talent of the percussion elements. Because the track is somewhat short, the pace of the song works really well, and as mentioned previously, perfectly opens up the EP. The chorus sticks in your head and drags you up to your feet to start moving. What Nihiloceros have done is they have created a great balance with heavy instrumentals that don’t dilute the pop elements that come through in the form of the melody in “Penguin Wings”. Nihiloceros have excelled with this track and they’re definitely working hard to keep this style of music alive through their talent. Nihiloceros is a band from Brooklyn, New York that consists of guitarist and vocalist, Mike Borchardt, bassist and vocalist Alex Hoffman, and drummer Glenn Gentzke. The band prides itself on maintaining heavy music while still infusing pop elements to create a loud and spunky sound. With “Dark Ice Balloons” the band is truly working hard to bring the concept to life and maneuver themes of life and death. The band tends to tackle heavy subjects like they did with “Self Destroy” released in 2021, and it’s these conversations they have with their music that make them so interesting. “Penguin Wings” is a powerful opening track to “Dark Ice Balloons” and Nihiloceros is a band you certainly won’t forget once you listen. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW NIHILOCEROS: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Katanak came through with an instant summertime banger with his latest track, Honeycomb and Hurricane. Lines like "I'm drenched in sunshine and good times" make it easy for listeners auditorily feel the warmth of summer as Katanak swoons them with his electrifying vocals. This single is an injection of pure fun and deserves to be played on repeat next time you drive with the windows down – seriously, try blasting "Tastes like honeycomb and hurricanes" through your car speakers during your next summer cruise without smiling (impossible!). Honeycomb and Hurricane is a song that is easy to love and even easier to get stuck in your head, especially when "vibes are in the air". Honeycomb and Hurricane is a pure, refined indie pop single highlighted by its strong focus placed on Katanak's shining vocals. There can be heard elements of pop and EDM blended together to make a fresh summer sound for listeners. It has catchy synth leads, acoustic guitar strumming, and clean drums. The production uses sampling to craft the sound, which is most prominent in the track's intro. Its up-tempo and energetic just in time for summer and is littered with a ton of exciting transitional production like bass drops and risers. All said, Honeycomb and Hurricane is artfully smooth from start to finish – Bravo, Katanak. Australian indie pop artist Dylan Cattanach, aka Katanak, is known for rocking shows across the Southern Hemisphere with his intoxicatingly fun brand of music. 2023 saw him embark on his second tour of Queensland, where he conquered both the Cairns and Rockhampton River Festival. Katanak has gotten significant love already on some major radio stations like Triple J Unearthed, ABC Radio, and Amazing Radio – garnering him praise from the likes of Music is My Muse, Happy Mag, LivewireAU, and Good Call Live. 2024 is primed for the release of his latest EP, along with a spot in this year's Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival lineup. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW KATANAK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Pop sensation Rita Ora just released her newest single, "Ask And You Shall Receive." The summer anthem was written in collaboration with Raye, who she toured with previously, and produced by German. Best known for tracks like "Black Widow" with Iggy Azalea and "Lonely Together" by Avicii, you have probably danced around to an Ora song as it blared through your car radio speakers. If not, "Ask And You Shall Receive" is an amazing introduction to Ora's exciting dance pop sound. Make sure to go onto your favorite streaming platform and listen to this energetic summer song. "Ask And You Shall Receive" is a carpe diem spirited track about seizing the moment romantically. The soundscape is upbeat and feels like the summer season. Ora sings about falling for a guy and being willing to do anything for them. She expresses this sentiment with lines like "Baby, what you want from me / Ask and you shall receive, oh-oh" and "Before I talk to you, I rehearse it / I can’t fuck this up, it ain’t worth it, oh.” If you’re looking for a fun electro pop track to blast around in your car with the windows down or dance around to at the beach, look no further than “Ask And You Shall Receive.” Rita Ora is a London pop singer that has reached wide acclaim. In the UK, she has had thirteen top 10 singles and four number one singles. She was also among the first to win a BRIT Billion award for receiving over one billion streams in the UK. With bright vocals and a fun pop sound, it is no wonder that her career has been so successful so far. If you enjoyed "Ask And You Shall Receive," make sure to dive into the rest of Ora's multi-platinum discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Rita Ora and her music by following the social media links below. I cannot wait to listen to what she releases next! Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW RITA ORA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

Singer, songwriter, and actor Madeline Rhodes just released her newest single, "Pep Talk," a pop song that is as catchy as it is thoughtful. "Pep Talk" recounts an experience that is all too relatable: being our worst inner critic. Within the song, Madeline uses vocal layering and volume adjusting to portray this inner monologue clashing with herself. The verses, slightly quieter, are filled with scathing negative self-talk like "I'm mediocre at my best / I'm insecure / I'm full of shit," before the chorus "get out of my head / I'm supposed to be / My own best friend" blasts in. It is masterful musical storytelling that tells an important message. For those struggling with low self-esteem or mental health-related issues that make them feel less than, "Pep Talk" is a reminder that they are not alone. The track, a third single for her highly anticipated upcoming EP "The Brothel," is bound to resonate with listeners everywhere. "Pep Talk" contrasts the dark and introspective lyrics with an instrumental that is undeniable. Working with New York City producer Certain Self and engineer Zeno Pittarelli, the song is an up-tempo acoustic guitar-heavy banger. It's a blend of anthemic pop and 2000s R&B. What really shines through, however, is Madeline. As an established actor, Madeline knows how to put on a performance within the song. When she sings as her own inner critic, Madeline puts on such attitude before belting the chorus: "You call this a pep talk? / Well shut up I've had enough" so emphatically and filled with passion it is impossible not to want to sing along. With "Pep Talk," Madeline Rhodes once more proves her skills in writing pop hits that dig into emotionally resounding human ideas. Madeline Rhodes has released music since 2018, originally under the stage name MuMu. As MuMu, Madeline debuted one of her most popular and acclaimed songs, “Free the Nip,” a feminist anthem about women’s autonomy over their bodies. Though her music is now released under her birth name, Madeline’s artistic goal remains the same: creating art that spreads a message and empowers listeners. Lyrical themes of mental and emotional health are common within her work. Madeline has performed at various Pride events and opened for similarly socially active artists like Todrick Hall or Pussy Riot. In 2020, the singer-songwriter wrote music for and started in the film Best Summer Ever, earning her mass critical acclaim. Media outlets like The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and even the hit Netflix series Big Mouth have all featured Madeline for her acting and musical achievements. Madeline Rhodes’ discography, including “Pep Talk,” is available on all streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW MADELEINE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Sonic Boom" is Ryan McCormick’s latest release, a single expressing the need to not be such. The song focuses on a specific relationship, recalling its early days which inherently created the later ones. Immediate love is exactly what it sounds like, the second he saw this person it was felt. The concept of soulmates and love at first sight is often lost in modern pop love songs, McCormick brings it back and integrates it into the modern genre. The excitement, fear, and complete obsession that comes from finding an instant connection is perfectly expressed in "Sonic Boom". The song begins with a distant, upbeat guitar, sounding like a movie soundtrack- which is fitting for the story of something so many label as fantastical. McCormick manages to make the instrumentals heavier and more acoustic oriented, yet, sound entirely more pop by the moment. His voice works the same, perfectly suited to his genre. The vocals are introduced in the form of the beginning of his story, chronological recording the first moment he laid eyes on the one he sings to, a necessary start to a tale so quick. It's passionate and recognizable, allowing for an emotional relatability to be determined not only in his lyrics, but at the very core of his voice. His voice is used later as an instrument, and as a piece to emphasize such, his composition as a whole and attention to detail allows the song to be as monumental as it feels on a fundamental level.  That relatability, found so intimately in “Sonic Boom”, is the face of Ryan’s motivation as a songwriter. He’s incredibly audience based, focusing on his connection to them first. His closeness with the friends and family, particularly his mother, which he writes his songs for is an admirable use of such talent. “Sonic Boom” is his only recorded release so far, but it has already acquired over 4k streams on Spotify and is gaining attention every minute it's been released. And it has certainly earned such attention, Mccormick began writing songs such as this two years ago, simply exploring his skill in his bedroom- not with intent but with imagination of what it could become. Ryan McCormick is a voracious traveler, finding such explorations in his career as a pilot, but his songs seem to travel much farther and are soon to garner world wide notice. Follow him below and stream “Sonic Boom” now. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW RYAN MCCORMICK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube